Xavier Becerra Explained

Xavier Becerra
Order:25th
Office:United States Secretary of Health and Human Services
President:Joe Biden
Deputy:Andrea Palm
Term Start:March 19, 2021
Term End:January 20, 2025
Predecessor:Alex Azar
Successor:Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Office1:33rd Attorney General of California
Governor1:Jerry Brown
Gavin Newsom
Term Start1:January 24, 2017
Term End1:March 18, 2021
Predecessor1:Kathleen Kenealy (acting)
Successor1:Matthew Rodriquez (acting)
State2:California
Term Start2:January 3, 1993
Term End2:January 24, 2017
Predecessor2:Edward Roybal (redistricted)
Successor2:Jimmy Gomez
Constituency2: (1993–2003)
(2003–2013)
(2013–2017)
Embed:yes
Office3:Chair of the House Democratic Caucus
Leader3:Nancy Pelosi
Deputy3:Joe Crowley
Term Start3:January 3, 2013
Term End3:January 3, 2017
Predecessor3:John Larson
Successor3:Joe Crowley
Office4:Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus
Leader4:Nancy Pelosi
Term Start4:January 3, 2009
Term End4:January 3, 2013
Predecessor4:John Larson
Successor4:Joe Crowley
Office5:House Democratic Assistant to the Leader
Leader5:Nancy Pelosi
Term Start5:January 3, 2007
Term End5:January 3, 2009
Predecessor5:John Spratt
Successor5:Chris Van Hollen
State Assembly6:California
District6:59th
Term Start6:December 3, 1990
Term End6:December 3, 1992
Predecessor6:Charles Calderon
Successor6:Dick Mountjoy
Birth Date:26 January 1958
Birth Place:Sacramento, California, U.S.
Party:Democratic
Spouse:Carolina Reyes (m. 1989)
Children:3
Education:Stanford University (BA, JD)

Xavier Becerra (pronounced as /es-419/; born January 26, 1958) is an American attorney and politician who served as the 25th United States secretary of health and human services from March 2021 to January 2025. A member of the Democratic Party, Becerra previously served as the attorney general of California from January 2017 until March 2021.

Born in Sacramento, California, Becerra received a bachelor's degree and a law degree from Stanford University. In 1986, he worked as an administrative assistant for state senator Art Torres. He served as a deputy attorney general in the California Department of Justice from 1987 to 1990. Between 1990 and 1992, he was a member of the California State Assembly.

First elected to the House of Representatives in 1992, Becerra was the chairman of the U.S. House Democratic Caucus from 2013 to 2017. He is a candidate for governor of California in the 2026 election.

Early life and education

Born in Sacramento, California, on January 26, 1958,[1] Becerra is the son of Maria Teresa and Manuel Guerrero Becerra. His father was born in the U.S. and raised in Tijuana, Mexico, and his mother was from Guadalajara.[2] Becerra grew up in a one-room apartment with his three sisters.[3] He graduated in 1976 from C.K. McClatchy High School.[4] He studied abroad at the University of Salamanca from 1978 to 1979. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in economics from Stanford University in 1980, becoming the first person in his family to graduate from college.[5] [6] He received his Juris Doctor from Stanford Law School in 1984, and was admitted to the State Bar of California in 1985.[7]

Early career

As an attorney, Becerra worked on cases involving individuals who had mental disorders for the Legal Assistance Corporation of Central Massachusetts[8] (now Community Legal Aid).

Becerra returned to California, and in 1986, became an administrative assistant for Democratic State Senator Art Torres of Los Angeles.[9] He served as a deputy attorney general in the California Department of Justice under Attorney General John Van de Kamp from 1987 to 1990.[10]

After incumbent state assemblyman Charles Calderon decided to seek a seat in the California Senate, Becerra launched a campaign for the California State Assembly, defeating Calderon's Senate aide Marta Maestas in the Democratic primary.[11] He went on to defeat Republican Lee Lieberg and Libertarian Steven Pencall, receiving 60% of the vote.[12] Becerra served one term in the State Assembly, representing California's 59th district, from 1990 to 1992.[13]

U.S. House of Representatives (1993–2017)

Elections

In the 30th district, Becerra won the Democratic primary with a plurality of 32% of the vote.[14] In the general election, he defeated Republican nominee Morry Waksberg, 58%–24%.[15] He won re-election to a second term in 1994 with 66%[16] of the vote. His district was renumbered as the 31st district after the 2000 census.

After redistricting, ahead of the 2012 elections, most of Becerra's old district became the 34th district. He defeated Republican Stephen Smith 85.6% to 14.4%.[17]

Tenure

Becerra was a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, of which he served as chairman during the 105th Congress.[18]

Becerra was appointed assistant to the speaker of the House for the 110th Congress.[19] He won his bid to succeed John Larson as Vice-Chair in the 111th Congress, defeating Marcy Kaptur of Ohio by a vote of 175–67.[20]

Becerra successfully ran for a second term as vice-chair in 2011 to serve during the 112th Congress.[21]

Abortion rights and pay equity

Becerra voted against H.R. 3541, the Prenatal Non-Discrimination Act (PRENDA), which would have imposed civil and criminal penalties on anyone knowingly attempting to perform a sex-selective abortion.

Becerra argued before the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit that the Little Sisters of the Poor, a Catholic religious order, should be required to provide birth control services under the Affordable Care Act.[22] In late 2020, arguing that the prosecution would discourage pregnant women from obtaining addiction treatment, Becerra requested that the Supreme Court of California block the murder prosecution of a woman who had consumed methamphetamine during her pregnancy, resulting in a stillbirth. The court declined to do so.[23]

Committee assignments

Caucus memberships

California attorney general (2017–2021)

On January 24, 2017, Becerra took office and become the first Latino to serve as California's attorney general.[26] Becerra was elected to a full four-year term in 2018, after defeating Republican challenger Steven Bailey by securing 61 percent of the vote.[27] He delivered the Democratic Spanish-language response to President Trump's 2019 State of the Union address.[28]

Becerra filed 122 lawsuits against the Trump administration.[29] [30]

California Department of Justice reforms

Bureau of Environmental Justice

In 2018, Becerra created an environmental justice bureau at the California Department of Justice. It opposed the effort to expand San Bernardino International Airport due to concerns regarding air pollution, intervened to halt a proposed waterfront cement plant in Vallejo, citing significant concerns over increased air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, and supported the City of Arvin's oil and gas ordinance, endorsing a 300-foot buffer for homes, schools, and hospitals.[31] [32]

Protection of endangered species in Sacramento and San Joaquin River

On May 11, 2020, Becerra secured a preliminary injunction in this lawsuit against the Trump Administration for unlawfully expanding water export operations in the Central Valley.[33]

Criminal law enforcement

On June 4, 2019, Becerra announced the arrest of Naasón Joaquín García, the leader of La Luz Del Mundo and other co-defendants. Charges included human trafficking, production of child pornography, and forcible rape of a minor. On June 8, 2022, Naasón Joaquín García was sentenced to more than 16 years in a California prison.[34]

On January 17, 2020, Becerra and Riverside Police chief Larry Gonzalez announced the successful execution of "Operation Blocc Buster". The operation led to the arrest of 15 individuals associated with the Casa Blanca Gangster Crips street gang in Riverside and the seizure of 14 firearms, methamphetamine, and cocaine.

In August 2018, an operation targeted the MS-13 gang in the Central Valley and beyond. The following year, multiple operations were directed against Norteño street gangs in Kings, Tulare, and Stanislaus Counties, as well as in Stockton. In December 2019, the Country Boy Crips in south Bakersfield were the focus of a significant operation.

Statewide organized crime ring charged with sex trafficking in California

In 2019, Becerra filed charges against Jing Chiang Huang, Shu Mei Lin, Shao Lee, Peihsin Lee, Pengcheng Cai, and Dafeng Wen for their alleged involvement in a statewide organized crime ring engaged in sex trafficking, tax fraud, and money laundering. Five suspects were sentenced in March 2022.[35]

Additional criminal law enforcement

Becerra brought fourteen felony charges against Center for Medical Progress activists for recording fourteen videos (see Planned Parenthood 2015 undercover videos controversy), and one felony charge for conspiring to invade privacy, on March 28, 2017.[36] The charges were dismissed by a California Superior Court judge in June for not stating the names of those recorded and the specific dates of the recordings;[37] the charges were refiled with the names and dates in July 2017.[38]

In 2019, Becerra threatened "legal action" against reporters who had received records of California law enforcement officers who had been convicted of crimes during the past decade.[39]

In December 2020, Becerra was faulted by state district attorneys for not taking leadership to help stop unemployment fraud during the COVID-19 pandemic, in what was described as the "biggest taxpayer fraud in California history".[40] In January 2021, investigators said the total fraud was over $11 billion, with $19 billion in claims still under investigation.[41] [42] [43] Most of this money will likely never be recovered, prosecutors said.[44] [45]

Lawsuits against Trump administration

Defense of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

In November 2019, Becerra led a coalition of 21 attorneys general to defend DACA against the Trump Administration's attempt to terminate it. The Court found that the administration's actions to end DACA were unlawful.[46]

Defense of the Affordable Care Act (ACA)

Becerra led the multi-state lawsuit to preserve the ACA's protections for people with pre-existing conditions and medicaid expansion. The Supreme Court upheld the law.[47] [48]

Additional federal litigation

In February 2019, Becerra, Governor Gavin Newsom, and 15 other states filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over the president's declaration of a national emergency to fund a wall at the southern U.S. border.[49]

The Trump administration opened 1 million acres in California to fracking and drilling in December 2019.[50] Under this policy, the Bureau of Land Management proposed new lease sales for oil and gas extraction along "California's Central Valley and Central Coast, touching eight counties and including 400,000 acres of public land".[51] California officials and agencies, including Becerra, filed a lawsuit against the Bureau of Land Management in January 2020.[52]

On December 9, 2020, Becerra's office had joined 47 other states and the Federal Trade Commission in an antitrust lawsuit against Facebook.[53] [54]

Secretary of Health and Human Services (2021–2025)

Nomination and confirmation

The New York Times reported in early December 2020 that Biden would nominate Becerra as Secretary of Health and Human Services.[55] His nomination to lead the Health and Human Services Department has been criticized by pro-life and conservative leaders led by Students for Life of America, citing his "absence of health care experience and his disregard for people of faith".[56] [57] Becerra's nomination was deadlocked by the Senate's Finance Committee on March 10, 2021.[58] One day later, on March 11, 2021, Becerra's nomination was discharged from the Finance Committee by the entire Senate, in a vote of 51–48.[59] He was confirmed by the Senate in a vote of 50–49 on March 18, 2021, with all but one Democrat present and one Republican, Susan Collins, voting in favor.[60] [61] This was the narrowest vote for any of Biden's cabinet positions. On March 22, 2021, Becerra was sworn in to be the new secretary.[62]

Tenure

Soon after officially becoming the secretary of health and human services, Becerra released a statement praising the Affordable Care Act and encouraging people to keep enrolling in its health care program.[63]

Becerra is credited for his efforts to preserve reproductive rights[64] across the country,[65] to expand Medicaid and CHIP postpartum coverage for more than half the states in the nation,[66] He has consistently cited curbing health care costs, advancing women's health, and tackling gaps in who has access to health care as big priorities.[67] [68]

Medicare drug price negotiations

Becerra helped reduce prescription drug prices for Medicare beneficiaries by allowing direct price negotiations for high-cost medications under the Inflation Reduction Act.

In 2023, Becerra and HHS finalized negotiations for 10 high-cost drugs, including Eliquis, Jardiance, and Xarelto, achieving discounts of 38% to 79%. These lower prices, effective in 2026, would have saved Medicare $6 billion in 2023 alone.[69] Later, Becerra announced 15 additional drugs for negotiation in 2025, with reduced prices set to take effect in 2027. These medications, including Ozempic, Ibrance, and Vraylar, account for $41 billion in annual Medicare Part D spending and treat conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and asthma.[70]

Additional matters

Becerra has overseen one of the biggest reform efforts of sub-agencies in HHS's history, including at the Food and Drug Administration[71] and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.[72]

Becerra has been criticized as health and human services secretary for being absent in the public eye during the pandemic, for confusing messaging by federal public health authorities and for the subsequent loss of public trust, and for his collaborative management style while serving as secretary; his defenders said he was given an unclear role as secretary.[73] Becerra was similarly criticized following his agency's response to the 2022 monkeypox outbreak amid issues with health policy communication and what was widely considered a slow response; White House officials said that Becerra sought to scapegoat the states rather than take responsibility for the subpar response.[74]

In 2023, Becerra rejected cancer patients’ petition to use a law which allows HHS regulators to rescind exclusive patent protections for government-developed drugs making them more available to the generic market.[75]

Other political ambitions

2001 Los Angeles mayoral election

See main article: 2001 Los Angeles mayoral election. Becerra ran for mayor of Los Angeles in 2001. He finished with 6% of the primary vote.[76]

Consideration for federal government positions

In 2008, Becerra was considered for the position of U.S. trade representative in the administration of President-elect Obama.[77] While it was reported that he had already accepted,[78] he announced on December 15 that he would not accept the position.[79]

Becerra was on the shortlist of presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton for the vice presidential nomination in 2016.[80] Senator Tim Kaine was eventually chosen.

2020 U.S. Senate speculation

In August 2020, California senator Kamala Harris was selected by presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden as his vice presidential running mate. After Biden ultimately won the general election, Becerra was floated as a possible replacement for Harris, along with others such as Representative Karen Bass, Representative Barbara Lee, Secretary of State Alex Padilla (who was eventually chosen), and former Secretary of Labor Hilda Solís.[81] [82] [83]

2026 California governor campaign

See main article: 2026 California gubernatorial election.

In the 2026 California gubernatorial election, incumbent governor Gavin Newsom will be ineligible to run for reelection due to term limits. In February 2024, Politico reported that Becerra was considering a run for governor, and that he or affiliated individuals had approached a political consulting firm to that effect, a potential violation of the Hatch Act.[84] [85] Becerra's tenure as Secretary of Health and Human Services was described as "frustrating and at times rocky" by the Politico article and in a previous interview Becerra said that he missed being California attorney general because of the autonomy of the position. On April 2, 2025, Becerra declared his candidacy for governor of California in the 2026 gubernatorial election.[84] [86]

Personal life

Becerra is married to physician Carolina Reyes, and they have three daughters.[87] He is a member of the Inter-American Dialogue think tank, based in Washington, D.C.[88] Becerra is Roman Catholic.[89]

In 2025, Politico reported on a scheme in which Becerra's closest aides, including his chief of staff, had siphoned money from his campaign accounts for years. The total amount was reported to be $225,000 over two years. Although Becerra was not accused of wrongdoing, Politico reported that he was facing scrutiny as to how he had not known about the situation until federal investigators approached him.[90] Becerra had previously faced criticism for suspected campaign finance violations - in 2024, it had been reported that he was paying $10,000 a month for campaign reporting from a dormant state account, an apparent Hatch Act violation. Becerra stated that the expenditures were for account maintenance, which political experts stated to be "a very high cost to pay."

Election history

California Attorney General

See also

External links

|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

Notes and References

  1. News: CEO Pay Cut: Real Change or Politics? . CNN . live . February 2, 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180802041130/http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0910/22/ec.01.html . August 2, 2018.
  2. News: Schmidt. Samantha. For Xavier Becerra, California's attorney general, the fight with Trump is personal. en-US. The Washington Post. December 9, 2020. 0190-8286. November 11, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201111120501/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2018/03/14/for-xavier-becerra-californias-attorney-general-the-fight-with-trump-is-personal/. live.
  3. Web site: March 24, 2017. Trump supporters shut down town hall with California Attorney General Xavier Becerra. December 12, 2020. Daily News. en-US. October 6, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231006172307/https://www.sbsun.com/government-and-politics/20170324/trump-supporters-shut-down-town-hall-with-california-attorney-general-xavier-becerra. dead.
  4. Book: Congressional Directory 2011-2012 112th Congress. 9780160886539. 2012. Government Printing Office. October 16, 2020. December 7, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201207033840/https://books.google.com/books?id=fVSkbYQp6qgC&q=Xavier+Becerra+C.K.+McClatchy+High+School&pg=PA34. live.
  5. Web site: Congressional Directory California Thirty-First District . gpo.gov . February 2, 2013 . October 18, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20151018231230/http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CDIR-2011-12-01/pdf/CDIR-2011-12-01-CA-H-31.pdf . live .
  6. News: The New Team – Xavier Becerra . . Landler . Mark . December 4, 2008 . February 26, 2017 . September 7, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170907170713/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/04/us/politics/04web-becerra.html . live .
  7. Web site: Attorney Search Xavier Becerra - #118517 . calbar.ca.gov . February 2, 2013 . October 18, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20151018231230/http://members.calbar.ca.gov/fal/Member/Detail/118517 . live .
  8. Web site: Xavier Becerra Caucus Chairman Representing the 34th District of CA . dems.gov . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130929193719/http://www.dems.gov/members/xavier-becerra . September 29, 2013 . mdy-all .
  9. Web site: 108th Congress Directory California Thirty-First District . . February 2, 2013 . October 18, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20151018231230/http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CDIR-2004-01-01/pdf/CDIR-2004-01-01-CA-H-31.pdf . live .
  10. News: Xavier Becerra (D) House - California, District 34 - Up for re-election in 2012 . The Washington Post . February 2, 2013 . January 27, 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130127132425/http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/members/B000287 . live .
  11. News: The Candidate Who Upset Latino Politics: Xavier Becerra owes his victory to the people, not to the blessings of a papacito. . . Acuna . Rodolfo. June 8, 1990 . February 2, 2013 . February 4, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120204055204/http://articles.latimes.com/1990-06-08/local/me-535_1_xavier-becerra . live .
  12. Web site: Member of the State Assembly . https://web.archive.org/web/20141021002649/http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/sov/1990-general/assemblymember.pdf . dead . October 21, 2014 . sos.ca.gov . February 2, 2013 .
  13. Web site: BECERRA, Xavier (1958-). live. https://web.archive.org/web/20201124083046/https://bioguideretro.congress.gov/Home/MemberDetails?memIndex=B000287. November 24, 2020. December 7, 2020. Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
  14. http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=207769 CA - District 30 - Democratic Primary
  15. http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=27863 CA District 30 – General Election
  16. http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=28733 CA District 30
  17. Book: Cook, Rhodes. America Votes 33: 2017–2018, Election Returns by State. November 12, 2019. CQ Press. 978-1-5443-5446-0. en. 49. December 7, 2020. December 7, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201207033844/https://books.google.com/books?id=m_C9DwAAQBAJ&pg=PA49. live.
  18. Web site: Congressman Xavier Becerra To Deliver Hispanic Heritage Month Keynote . loc.gov . August 29, 2007 . December 30, 2017 . March 5, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160305020202/http://www.loc.gov/today/pr/2007/07-167.html . live .
  19. News: Allen. Jonathan. November 17, 2009. Pelosi thrown 'under the bus'. December 7, 2020. Politico. en. November 24, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201124170215/https://www.politico.com/story/2009/11/pelosi-thrown-under-the-bus-029650. live.
  20. News: Dems back off leadership challenges. The Hill. Allen. Jared. November 10, 2008. November 10, 2008. November 13, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20081113102600/http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/dems-back-off-leadership-challenges-2008-11-10.html. dead.
  21. Web site: December 7, 2020. Larson Applauds Nomination of Xavier Becerra to Serve as Secretary of Health and Human Services. December 8, 2020. Congressman John Larson. en. December 14, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201214214618/https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-applauds-nomination-xavier-becerra-serve-secretary-health-and. live.
  22. News: Hollyfield. Amy. October 20, 2018. SF nuns say they are caught in the crossfire over a battle over birth control. January 13, 2021. KGO-TV. en.
  23. News: December 24, 2020. High court allows murder charge after fetus is stillborn. January 13, 2021. Associated Press News. December 24, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201224235619/https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-reproductive-rights-xavier-becerra-courts-california-62af1db552e18070c20e636c3cedf786. live.
  24. News: Hubler. Shawn. Stolberg. Sheryl Gay. December 8, 2020. Xavier Becerra, H.H.S. Pick, Was California's Anti-Trump Attack Dog. en-US. The New York Times. December 9, 2020. 0362-4331. December 8, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201208194850/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/08/us/xavier-becerra-hhs.html. live.
  25. News: James. Frank. Pelosi Chooses Clyburn, Van Hollen, Becerra For Deficits Super Panel. August 11, 2011. December 7, 2020. NPR. en. November 11, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20181111141008/https://www.npr.org/sections/itsallpolitics/2011/08/11/139545075/pelosi-chooses-clyburn-van-hollen-becerra-for-deficits-super-panel. live.
  26. News: Essential Politics: Gov. Brown delivers State of the State address, Xavier Becerra is sworn in as California's new attorney general. Los Angeles Times. en-US. 0458-3035. January 25, 2017. May 14, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190514210449/https://www.latimes.com/politics/essential/la-pol-ca-essential-politics-updates-xavier-becerra-takes-oath-of-office-is-1485281551-htmlstory.html. live.
  27. Web site: Miller. Cheryl. November 7, 2018. Xavier Becerra Wins Four-Year Term as Attorney General. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20190414062620/https://www.law.com/therecorder/2018/11/07/xavier-becerra-wins-four-year-term-as-attorney-general/. April 14, 2019. December 7, 2020. The Recorder. en.
  28. News: Campbell. Alexia Fernández. February 5, 2019. California's attorney general gave a scathing Spanish-language rebuttal to Trump's speech. en. Vox. December 7, 2020. November 7, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201107235801/https://www.vox.com/2019/2/5/18213248/state-of-the-union-2019-spanish-rebuttal-becerra. live.
  29. Web site: Trump's Final Day in Office Marked by Nine Lawsuits from California AG . . January 19, 2021 . December 23, 2023 . December 23, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231223040343/https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/news/trumps-final-day-in-office-marked-by-nine-lawsuits-from-california-ag/ . live .
  30. News: Liptak . Adam . June 17, 2021 . Affordable Care Act Survives Latest Supreme Court Challenge . December 23, 2023 . The New York Times . en-US . 0362-4331 . January 17, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240117103207/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/17/us/obamacare-supreme-court.html . live .
  31. News: Schwartz. John. December 7, 2020. Xavier Becerra Brings Environmental Justice to Forefront. en-US. The New York Times. December 7, 2020. 0362-4331. December 7, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201207190013/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/07/climate/xavier-becerra-environmental-justice.html. live.
  32. Web site: Weisbrod . Katelyn . December 26, 2020 . In 2018, the California AG Created an Environmental Justice Bureau. It's Become a Trendsetter . December 22, 2023 . Inside Climate News . en-US.
  33. Web site: Beitsch . Rebecca . May 12, 2020 . Court sides with California, blocking Trump's water diversion . December 24, 2023 . The Hill . en-US.
  34. Web site: June 8, 2022 . Mexican megachurch leader gets more than 16 years for abuse . January 14, 2024 . AP News . en . January 14, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240114192603/https://apnews.com/article/california-los-angeles-religion-sexual-abuse-by-clergy-c19671505d0fe989cc6d32427320f03d . live .
  35. Web site: Childs . Jeremy . Five sentenced in statewide sex trafficking ring discovered by Thousand Oaks detectives . January 14, 2024 . Ventura County Star . en-US.
  36. News: Pérez-Peña . Richard . March 30, 2017 . Anti-Abortion Activists Charged in Planned Parenthood Video Case . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20170330224303/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/29/us/planned-parenthood-video-charges.html . March 30, 2017 . March 31, 2017 . . A22.
  37. News: Egelko . Bob . June 22, 2017 . SF judge deals setback to prosecutors in abortion sting videos . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20170622031959/http://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/SF-judge-deals-setback-to-prosecutors-in-abortion-11237776.php . June 22, 2017 . December 7, 2020 . . en-US.
  38. News: Egelko . Bob . July 7, 2017 . California files more charges against antiabortion activists . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20170911205221/http://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/California-files-more-charges-against-11271723.php . September 11, 2017 . September 11, 2017 . San Francisco Chronicle.
  39. Web site: Lewis. Robert. February 26, 2019. California Keeps a Secret List of Criminal Cops But Says You Can't Have It. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20190228070103/https://www.kqed.org/news/11728957/california-keeps-a-secret-list-of-criminal-cops-but-says-you-cant-have-it. February 28, 2019. February 27, 2019. KQED. en.
  40. News: Chabria. Anita. McGreevy. Patrick. Winton. Richard. December 3, 2020. Some California prosecutors say 'tsunami' of prison unemployment fraud fuels street crime. Los Angeles Times. live. December 6, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201207033809/https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-12-03/california-unemployment-benefits-fraud-newsom-becerra. December 7, 2020.
  41. Web site: California officials say unemployment fraud now totals more than $11 billion. Patrick. McGreevy. January 25, 2021. Los Angeles Times. January 27, 2021. September 18, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210918114702/https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-01-25/california-unemployment-fraud-11-billion-investigations. live.
  42. Web site: California EDD: Unemployment fraud in state 4 times worse than first reported. abc7news.com. January 13, 2021 . February 28, 2026.
  43. News: California unemployment fraud during pandemic may total $2B, Bank of America says. December 7, 2020. December 16, 2020. KTLA. en-US. December 8, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201208115013/https://ktla.com/news/california/california-unemployment-fraud-during-pandemic-may-total-2b-bank-of-america-says/. dead.
  44. News: McGreevy. Patrick. Chabria. Anita. Winton. Richard. December 4, 2020. California may have sent $1 billion in jobless benefits to people outside the state, D.A.s warn. Los Angeles Times. live. December 6, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201205202107/https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-12-04/california-unemployment-benefits-out-of-state-district-attorney. December 5, 2020.
  45. Web site: California unemployment fraud amid COVID-19 pandemic may total $2 billion, Bank of America says. Patrick. McGreevy. December 7, 2020. Los Angeles Times. December 16, 2020. December 16, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201216013532/https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-12-07/bank-of-america-estimate-2-billion-california-unemployment-fraud. live.
  46. Web site: June 18, 2020 . Department of Homeland Security v. Regents of Univ. of Cal . December 23, 2023 . supremecourt.gov.
  47. Web site: November 9, 2020 . On Eve of Oral Arguments in the U.S. Supreme Court, Attorney General Becerra Issues Statement in Defense of the Affordable Care Act . December 23, 2023 . State of California - Department of Justice - Office of the Attorney General . en . December 23, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231223040343/https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/eve-oral-arguments-us-supreme-court-attorney-general-becerra-issues-statement . live .
  48. Web site: Statement by HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra on U.S. Supreme Court Decision to Uphold the Affordable Care Act in California v. Texas . February 21, 2024 . HIV.gov . en . February 21, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240221142555/https://www.hiv.gov/blog/statement-hhs-secretary-xavier-becerra-us-supreme-court-decision-uphold-affordable-care-act . dead .
  49. Web site: February 18, 2019. Governor Newsom, Attorney General Becerra, and 15 Partner States File Lawsuit Challenging President Trump's Contrived Declaration of National Emergency at the Southern Border. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20190406072516/https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/governor-newsom-attorney-general-becerra-and-15-partner-states-file-lawsuit. April 6, 2019. April 6, 2019. California Department of Justice.
  50. Web site: Seheeler. Andrew. December 12, 2019. Trump administration opens 1 million acres in California to fracking, drilling. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20191216061057/https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article238321848.html. December 16, 2019. January 23, 2019. sacbee.com. The Sacramento Bee.
  51. News: Canon. Gabrielle. January 17, 2020. California sues over Trump plan to open land to fracking. USA Today. live. January 23, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200125012750/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2020/01/17/california-sues-over-trump-plan-open-land-fracking/4500551002/. January 25, 2020.
  52. News: Willon. Phil. January 17, 2020. California going to court to stop Trump fracking plans. Los Angeles Times. live. January 23, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200122082511/https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-01-17/california-heads-to-court-to-block-trump-efforts-new-fracking. January 22, 2020.
  53. Web site: December 9, 2020. California Joins Lawsuit Against Facebook For Predatory, Monopolistic Behavior. December 14, 2020. KPIX-TV. en-US. December 9, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201209204502/https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2020/12/09/california-joins-lawsuit-against-facebook-for-monopolistic-behavior/. live.
  54. News: Feiner. Lauren. Rodriguez. Salvador. December 9, 2020. FTC and states sue Facebook, could force it to divest Instagram and WhatsApp. December 14, 2020. CNBC. en. December 13, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201213090012/https://www.cnbc.com/2020/12/09/ftc-and-several-states-launch-antitrust-lawsuits-against-facebook.html. live.
  55. News: Stolberg. Sheryl Gay. Shear. Michael D.. December 6, 2020. Biden Picks Xavier Becerra to Lead Health and Human Services. The New York Times. live. December 6, 2020. December 6, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201206225006/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/06/us/politics/xavier-becerra-hhs-health-secretary.html.
  56. News: Richardson . Valerie . December 21, 2020 . Top pro-life leaders urge Senate to reject Xavier Becerra over 'anti-life, anti-religion' bias . . January 5, 2021 . January 4, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210104201358/https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/dec/21/xavier-becerra-pick-top-pro-life-leaders-urge-sena/ . live .
  57. News: Bolton . Alexander . 2021-02-26 . Republicans see Becerra as next target in confirmation wars . https://web.archive.org/web/20221208232815/https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/540623-republicans-see-becerra-as-next-target-in-confirmation-wars/ . December 8, 2022 . 2026-02-28 . The Hill . en-US . live .
  58. Web site: O'Brien . Jack . SENATE PANEL DEADLOCKS ON HHS NOMINEE BECERRA, SCHUMER MUST PUSH FOR FLOOR VOTE . healthleaders . January 17, 2022.
  59. Web site: On the Motion to Discharge (Motion to Discharge the Nomination of Xavier Becerra to be Secretary of Health and Human Services from the Committee on Finance) . US Senate . January 17, 2022.
  60. News: Senate Confirms Xavier Becerra To Head Health And Human Services. March 18, 2021. NPR. March 18, 2021. en. Sprunt. Barbara. March 18, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210318180332/https://www.npr.org/2021/03/18/978691179/senate-confirms-xavier-becerra-to-head-health-and-human-services. live.
  61. Web site: On the Nomination (Confirmation: Xavier Becerra, of California, to be Secretary of Health and Human Services) . US Senate . January 17, 2022 . June 5, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210605032857/https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=117&session=1&vote=00125 . live .
  62. Web site: Xavier Becerra Sworn in as Secretary of Health and Human Services. March 22, 2021. March 24, 2021. March 22, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210322232454/https://www.executivegov.com/2021/03/xavier-becerra-sworn-in-as-secretary-of-health-and-human-services/. live.
  63. News: Becerra . Xavier . March 22, 2021 . Statement by HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra on the Anniversary of the Affordable Care Act . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20220809084303/https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2021/03/22/statement-hhs-secretary-xavier-becerra-anniversary-affordable-care-act.html . August 9, 2022 . March 24, 2021 . hhs.gov.
  64. News: Stolberg . Sheryl Gay . Savage . Charlie . June 28, 2022 . Biden's Health Secretary: 'No Magic Bullet' for Preserving Abortion Access . subscription . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20241122062729/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/28/us/politics/biden-abortion-roe.html . November 22, 2024 . February 21, 2024 . The New York Times . en-US . 0362-4331.
  65. Web site: Weintraub . Allie . June 23, 2023 . HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra calls post-Roe US 'a tale of two cities' . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20241104063705/https://abcnews.go.com/US/year-post-roe-wade-overturn-disparity-US-Xavier-Becerratale/story?id=100339191 . November 4, 2024 . May 4, 2025 . ABC News.
  66. Web site: October 27, 2022 . Biden-Harris Administration Announces More than Half of All States Have Expanded Access to 12 Months of Medicaid and CHIP Postpartum Coverage . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20241117000652/https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2022/10/27/biden-harris-administration-announces-more-half-all-states-have-expanded-access-to-12-months-of-medicaid-and-chip-postpartum-coverage.html . November 17, 2024 . May 4, 2025 . hhs.gov.
  67. Web site: Gill . Julian . May 5, 2025 . HHS Secretary Becerra touts rise in ACA coverage among Black, Latino populations in Houston visit . https://web.archive.org/web/20221026223826/https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/health/article/HHS-Secretary-Becerra-touts-health-insurance-17536934.php . October 26, 2022 . May 5, 2025 . The Houston Chronicle. live.
  68. Web site: HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra touts prescription savings in Pittsburgh visit . May 5, 2025 . Pittsburgh Post-Gazette . en.
  69. Web site: HHS Selects the First Drugs for Medicare Drug Price Negotiation . January 19, 2025 . August 29, 2023.
  70. Web site: Office . ASPA Press . January 17, 2025 . HHS Announces 15 Additional Drugs Selected for Medicare Drug Price Negotiations in Continued Effort to Lower Prescription Drug Costs for Seniors . https://web.archive.org/web/20250117235718/https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2025/01/17/hhs-announces-15-additional-drugs-selected-medicare-drug-price-negotiations-continued-effort-lower-prescription-drug-costs-seniors.html . January 17, 2025 . January 19, 2025 . HHS.gov . en . live .
  71. Web site: FDA Provides Update on Proposal for Unified Human Foods Program, including New Model for the Office of Regulatory Affairs . . July 5, 2023 . January 22, 2024 . December 22, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231222142029/https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-provides-update-proposal-unified-human-foods-program-including-new-model-office-regulatory . live .
  72. Web site: Leo . Leroy . April 4, 2022 . Samuel . Maju . CDC announces revamp plans, hires outside official for review . December 23, 2024 . Reuters.
  73. News: Diamond . Dan . Abutaleb . Yasmeen . Pager . Tyler . January 31, 2022 . White House frustrations grow over health chief Becerra's handling of pandemic . subscription . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240328051738/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/01/31/becerra-hhs-pandemic-response-leadership/ . March 28, 2024 . February 16, 2022 . The Washington Post.
  74. Web site: Cancryn . Adam . August 12, 2022 . Becerra in the hot seat, again, over monkeypox response . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20250408160935/https://www.politico.com/amp/news/2022/08/12/becerra-monkeypox-covid-response-00051422 . April 8, 2025 . May 4, 2025 . Politico.
  75. Web site: Cunningham-Cook . Matthew . Sirota . David . March 22, 2023 . Biden And Becerra Let Big Pharma Profiteer Off Cancer Drug . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20260214090917/https://www.levernews.com/biden-and-becerra-let-big-pharma-profiteer-off-cancer-drug/ . February 14, 2026 . May 4, 2025 . The Lever . en.
  76. News: Herszenhorn. David M.. May 9, 2016. As Xavier Becerra Stirs Crowds, Hispanic Democrats See a Running Mate. en-US. The New York Times. December 7, 2020. 0362-4331. November 25, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201125031922/https://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/10/us/politics/as-xavier-becerra-stirs-crowds-hispanic-democrats-see-a-running-mate.html. live.
  77. News: Landler. Mark. December 5, 2008. In Trade Post Contender, Political Benefits for Obama. en-US. The New York Times. December 7, 2020. 0362-4331. June 24, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160624162738/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/05/us/politics/05becerra.html. live.
  78. Web site: Allen. Jonathan. Rep. Becerra Offered Trade Representative Post. December 2, 2008. CQ Politics. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20081207173246/http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?parm1=5&docID=news-000002992696. December 7, 2008.
  79. Web site: Why Becerra rebuffed Obama. Patrick. O'Connor. Ryan. Grim. December 17, 2008. Politico. December 17, 2008. June 12, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190612190734/https://www.politico.com/story/2008/12/why-becerra-rebuffed-obama-016676. live.
  80. Web site: Hillary Clinton is choosing her vice president soon. Here are her top choices.. Dylan. Matthews. June 16, 2016. Vox. February 16, 2021. July 23, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160723051258/http://www.vox.com/2016/6/16/11954878/hillary-clinton-vice-president-veepstakes. live.
  81. News: Ting. Eric. November 7, 2020. What happens to Kamala Harris' Senate seat now that she's vice president-elect?. November 7, 2020. San Francisco Chronicle. en-US. November 8, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201108025341/https://www.sfgate.com/politics/article/Kamala-Harris-Senate-seat-vacant-Newsom-appoint-21-15691223.php. live.
  82. News: November 7, 2020. One of these people could be Vice President-elect Kamala Harris' successor and California's next senator. November 7, 2020. Los Angeles Times. en-US. December 7, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201207033808/https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-11-07/kamala-harris-successor-california-senator. live.
  83. News: Aschbrenner. Annah. Morin. Rebecca. Who will take Kamala Harris' Senate seat in California? The options are many. November 7, 2020. USA Today. en-US. November 8, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201108025240/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2020/11/07/kamala-harris-who-takes-her-senate-seat-california-when-she-vp/6204059002/. live.
  84. Web site: Cadelago . Christopher . Lippman . Daniel . Xavier Becerra plots political future after Biden administration . Politico . April 23, 2024 . Politico LLC . October 27, 2024 . April 23, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240423103828/https://www.politico.com/news/2024/04/23/xavier-becerra-biden-administration-future-00153737 . live .
  85. News: Singh . Maanvi . Xavier Becerra reportedly mulls cabinet exit to run for California governor . The Guardian . April 10, 2024 . October 27, 2024.
  86. Web site: Zhou . Yujie . 'You got spoiled by Covid': HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra appears in Mission ahead of potential run for governor . Mission Local . April 10, 2024 . Local news for a global city . October 27, 2024.
  87. News: Matea. Gold. Congressman Tests His Winning Streak. Los Angeles Times. March 12, 2001. December 5, 2020. December 7, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201207033808/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-mar-12-mn-36618-story.html. live.
  88. Web site: Team. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20200202110127/https://www.thedialogue.org/experts/?iad_experttype=75. February 2, 2020. April 11, 2017. TheDialogue.
  89. Web site: Opinion | Why Xavier Becerra's critics could never win by attacking his Catholicism . . February 24, 2021 . May 20, 2022 . February 24, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210224010645/https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/here-s-why-xavier-becerra-s-confirmation-critics-gained-no-ncna1258625 . live .
  90. Web site: November 18, 2025 . 'It raises all sorts of questions': Becerra scorched by scandal in California governor's race . November 19, 2025 . Politico . en.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Xavier Becerra".

Except where otherwise indicated, Everything.Explained.Today is © Copyright 2009-2026, A B Cryer, All Rights Reserved. Cookie policy.